Share

The great outdoors in Hawaii are truly great, and those who want to stay close to them will seriously want to consider doing some camping. The Hawaii campsites can mostly be found at beach parks and state and national parks, and there are plenty of them to choose from. It's important to note that while most of the campgrounds in Hawaii are free, you will still likely need to obtain a permit. It's also important to know that the state campgrounds are only open Friday through Wednesday. As such, you can only camp for five nights in a row at the state and national park campsites. The permit requirements and the general camping regulations vary a little across the state, and you'll do well to brush up on the specifics when looking to camp on a specific island.

While there are a lot of good Maui resorts and hotels to choose from, those who enjoy bonding with Mother Nature might prefer staying at one of the Maui campgrounds. When Maui is your destination and you are looking to camp in Hawaii, making a break for Haleakala National Park is a good idea, especially if spending the night inside a volcanic crater sounds interesting. At Haleakala National Park, you can set up a tent at a campsite or opt to stay in a cozy cabin. While camping is free, staying in a cabin will cost you, though the rates are reasonable and can be split by up to twelve people. For Maui visitors that are interested in doing some beach camping in Hawaii, Waianapanapa State Park is one of the top destinations. Found near Hana, this 122-acre park offers cabins and tent sites as well. The cabins are fully furnished, and in addition to kitchen facilities, they also boast electricity.

There are only two national parks where camping in Hawaii is possible, and the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of them. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offers two drive up campsites, and while some will prefer staying in tents here, others will opt for the added protection that one of the A-frame cabins offer. Interestingly enough, in a place this fiery, open fires are not allowed. You'll have to depend on a stove or a grill instead for cooking purposes.

Big Island visitors who have beach camping in Hawaii high on their lists of things to do, visiting the Hapuna Beach State Park is always an option. Hapuna Beach is one of the best beaches in Hawaii, and the A-frame cabins at Hapuna Beach State Park will have you within walking distance of the sand. Numerous beach parks offer Big Island camping grounds, and others that you might consider include Spencer Beach Park and Hookena Beach Park.

Like Maui, the island of Oahu is home to quite a few resorts and hotels, many of which enjoy a beachfront location in Waikiki. When you're looking to break from the resorts and the hotels, Oahu camping offers up some tantalizing options. While there are no national parks that you can camp in on the island of Oahu, the county and state parks should more than suffice. The Kahana Valley State Park is just one of the state parks that might interest you if you are want to camp in Hawaii. Hiking opportunities abound at this park, and the campgrounds feature restrooms and showers, which adds to their convenience.

On the south side of the island, the Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area is another park worth keeping in mind. While this recreation area isn't the best for those who want to do some beach camping in Hawaii, it is ideal for those who want to do some hiking and see some sacred sites. When setting up camp in Hawaii near the water is what you have in mind, places like Waimanalo Beach Park and Waimanalo Bay Beach Park will be a better fit. Many of the beach parks in the Aloha State are great places for family camping in Hawaii, thanks to the fact that they tend to boast good facilities. At these two Oahu beach parks, the facilities and amenities include lifeguards, restrooms, and showers.

Kauai is a nature lover's wonderland, and while Kauai resorts like the Outrigger Lae Nani and the Hanalei Colony Resort are attractive, those who want to stay close to nature are bound to find favor with Kauai camping. Some of the best places to camp in Hawaii can be found on the island of Kauai, and they include North Shore destinations like Haena Beach Park, Hanalei Beach Park, and Anini Beach Park. On the island's Windward, or eastern side, those who are interested in doing some beach camping in Hawaii are also likely to enjoy a trip to the Hanamaulu Beach Park or the Anahola Beach Park.

Down on the south shores of Kauai, the Poipu Beach area offers up some good hotels and resorts, though campers will want to head west to destinations such as Salt Pond Park and Lucy Wright Park. These South Shore camping destinations are ideally situated for those who have a trip to Waimea Canyon State Park in mind. Don't forget the Na Pali Coast State Park when looking to camp in Kauai. This stunningly beautiful park offers backcountry camping for those who are looking to wander off the beaten path when camping in Hawaii.

Lanai Camping

Should you plan on visiting the island of Lanai on your next Hawaiian vacation, then you might pass on a stay at the resorts and go camping instead. The Hulopoe Beach Park is the only place where legal camping can be done on the island, and it is a dandy of a destination. In addition to an attractive beach, the park offers six different campsites, each of which can handle up to six campers at a time. Facilities include running water, barbecue areas, picnic tables, restrooms, and showers.